Durant loses safety J.J. Garrett, but looks good in win

Durant free safety J.J. Garrett, who said in the preseason he was intent on turning in big plays in 2012, broke his left arm while almost making one Friday in the Cougars' 34-7 win over Bloomingdale.

Garrett (pictured above doing his Flyover pose; you can find him on Twitter @FlywitdaJplane) had one man to beat on a kickoff return, but was tripped up by the Bulls kicker and landed hard on his left arm, said Durant coach Mike Gottman. Garrett is expected to miss 4-5 weeks. He said on Twitter he is hoping to return for the Wharton game on Sept. 28.

Strong safety Rodney Lang also suffered a concussion and will be re-evaluated Thursday. But Gottman was very pleased with their replacements. While he may have to juggle his corners and safeties, the coach said starting wide receiver Reggie Gainer stepped in and had an interception (as well some catches on offense) and tight end Paxton Sims also played well on defense.

The most pleasant surprise for Durant, though? New quarterback Trey VanDeGrift looked smooth under center, and fullback Jamarlon Hamilton (pictured, above), who rushed for two touchodwns, looked...faster.

"He looked real good,'' said Gottman. "He was rumbling out there. He looks quicker to me. His burst looks quicker."

Durant loses safety J.J. Garrett, but looks good in win

Durant free safety J.J. Garrett, who said in the preseason he was intent on turning in big plays in 2012, broke his left arm while almost making one Friday in the Cougars' 34-7 win over Bloomingdale.

Garrett (pictured above doing his Flyover pose; you can find him on Twitter @FlywitdaJplane) had one man to beat on a kickoff return, but was tripped up by the Bulls kicker and landed hard on his left arm, said Durant coach Mike Gottman. Garrett is expected to miss 4-5 weeks. He said on Twitter he is hoping to return for the Wharton game on Sept. 28.

Strong safety Rodney Lang also suffered a concussion and will be re-evaluated Thursday. But Gottman was very pleased with their replacements. While he may have to juggle his corners and safeties, the coach said starting wide receiver Reggie Gainer stepped in and had an interception (as well some catches on offense) and tight end Paxton Sims also played well on defense.

The most pleasant surprise for Durant, though? New quarterback Trey VanDeGrift looked smooth under center, and fullback Jamarlon Hamilton (pictured, above), who rushed for two touchodwns, looked...faster.

"He looked real good,'' said Gottman. "He was rumbling out there. He looks quicker to me. His burst looks quicker."